Sanitation may be an area that is neglected in our preparations for during
difficult times. Not because people don't care, but because we take so much
of it for granted
we aren't aware of its importance. There are several areas in the sanitation
arena that need to be considered when preparing;
1. Food
2. Daily Living
3.Waste Disposal
4. Medical
5. Deaths
The most obvious area to consider is that of our food preparations. We are all
aware of the importance of washing our hands and not cross contaminating foods
like meats and vegetables. All counters where foods may be prepared should be
kept spotlessly clean. This includes areas where butchering is being done. The
areas should be hosed and bleached and the meat meticulously washed, making certain
the contents of the animals intestines does not come in contact with the meat.
The animals should be covered with a fabric bag (one that breathes) to protect
the meat from flies, and dirt while the meat is hung. All utensils including
those being used for dehydrated foods and canning should be sterilized by boiling
or baking. (Do not bake canning lids, they are placed in very hot water prior
to processing.)
In the area of daily living, if we allow ourselves to become cluttered and disorganized
because the world around us is falling apart we have begun the downward spiral
ourselves. Remaining organized and clutter free gives us access to items which
may be of immediate necessity and less chance of an accident of which even something
as minor as tripping over clutter could become life threatening. Keeping organized
also causes us less stress. Relieving our minds to be put to better use. It also
provides activities to the group, giving tasks to those who may not be able to
do other things or just an extra way to stay 'busy'. Clothes that are kept clean
are warmer and last longer (dryers are hard on fabric). And shoes should be worn
at all times outside. Personal hygiene is important not only for our physical
health, but our mental health as well. Ever notice how much better you feel after
a shower? It helps us maintain some a semblance of normalcy and civility in
our lives not only for ourselves, but for the group. When we are clean and groomed
it is also easier to spot someone not well. Special attention needs to be paid
to the care of our teeth. Brushing, flossing and possibly rinsing with an anti-cavity
rinse.
Feminine hygiene products that are disposable should be burned and the fabric
reusables (for the same) as well as cloth baby diapers should be either boiled
or
bleached
and
hung in the sun. (The ultraviolet rays kill lots of bacteria)
Of course you can't assume that cleanliness is next to Godliness is only for
the people in your group. Your animals will benefit from your diligent attention
to their well being as well. Keeping their pens, bedding and feeders clean could
mean the difference between animals used to fulfill our needs and sickly or dead
critters. Most domesticated animal waste can be safely used as fertilizer after
composting with the exception of dogs, cats and pigs. These should never be used
around areas that will have vegetables and pregnant women should Never handle
cat waste.
The third great consideration is waste disposal. This not only pertains to manure,
but garbage as well. Most containers used for foods will probable be kept for
some other need down the road. However, that means time and effort into making
sure they are very well cleaned and stowed properly so as not to attract rodents
or flies and bacteria. That which isn't needed should be burned, composted or
deeply buried away from your area. Food scraps can be fed to animals or composted
(not meats) or put into a worm bin (a little bit of meat is okay here) which
not only provides great fertilizer for the garden, but worms for your fowl.
Human waste is much more of a problem. We are no longer used to dealing with
our own waste. Most of us just pass it on to someone else to take care of. The
average person produces 2-3 pints of urine and one pound of feces per day. Multiply
that by the number of people in your group for a day/week or longer and you begin
to see the problem. If the sewer system is working you can still use your toilet
by pouring water directly into the bowl to flush the waste. Five gallon buckets
with a toilet seat can be used as a porta-potty. Lime, wood ash, and good ol'
dirt can be used to reduce the odor. This will have to be cleaned daily and an
area set up away from any possible contamination sites to be used for composting
keeping the compost covered to deter flies, etc. You should not use this compost
in food gardening. A trench toilet is also an option. Dig a trench two feet wide
and a minimum of 12 inches deep and 4 feet long or more. After use, cover with
the dirt from the hole, filling in from one end as you go. Bad bacteria can travel
300 feet from its original site. Pay attention to drainage and making sure the
manure is covered with lime, ashes or dirt. The area could attract rodents, dogs,
and worse, flies. The most important things to remember are reducing the fly/rodent
problem and washing your hands thoroughly when you've finished. Stock up on hand
sanitizer as well as soap. The book "The Humanure Handbook" by
Joseph
Jenkins
is
an interesting read. [JWR Adds: I must add a strong proviso.
With
this
approach,
temperature
monitoring
is
crucial! Unless you can be absolutely sure that a bacteria-killing temperature
is achieved, then do not attempt to use this method for manure
that will be used for vegetable or grain growing!] In my opinion, the risks far outweigh the rewards.
For those of you planning on hunkering down in place if the grid were to go
down and the sewer were to quit functioning, pay attention to where the access
lids to the sewer are in your area. If you are anywhere down hill sewage may
back up through these portals and even into your drains, and toilets. Give this
some thought.
The fourth area of consideration is medical. In a TEOTWAWKI
situation, we may be having people show up late or be accepted into our group
that weren't there in the beginning.
We need to consider that these folks whether loved ones or stranger may be
bringing something unwanted with them. If possible a 'quarantine' area should
be set up
where these people could spend two weeks away from the group to make sure they
aren't sick. It may sound cruel, but these people should remain without direct
contact with the group. (radio contact or distant voice communication if acceptable
would be greatly appreciated.) Their meals could be dropped off on paper plates
that they could burn after finishing. There utensils washed by them and kept
in the quarantine area. Anything that is needed should be brought and dropped
off so as not to expose the other members of the group. They would need to
remain in the quarantine area at all times and not expose people, animals,
areas, or equipment.
If after two weeks they are well, the chances are greatly reduced that they
have a communicable disease.
There should also be a separate area for medical procedures. A separate bedroom
or bathroom. This area should be kept spotless at all times. All items being
used should be boiled or steamed (a steam canner or pressure canner as an
autoclave) and all fabrics baked (200 degrees for one hour) prior to use. Tables,
trays and
equipment should be washed and bleached. (Alcohol is a great bacteria killer)
New garbage bags can be used to cover tables, chairs etc. prior to use and
after cleaning, and to protect between activities. They are fairly sanitary.
Disposable
rubber gloves and masks should be used when treating patients and if blood
is present goggles should be worn (swim goggles, or ski goggles over glasses
would
work). Used dressings, etc should be burned or buried deeply, away from the
area.
A hundred years ago our ancestors lived with germs that our systems are no
longer used to. What would not have made them sick, could easily sicken us
today. Rodents
and flies that carry disease are probably one of the major concerns for us.
In a grid down situation they would flourish. And if we weren't exceptionally
careful,
bring disease to us. Rodent control would be a regular requirement around our
'camps', but handling them could be an issue in itself. Probably best done
with a mask and gloves. Keeping flies away from any foods and food areas would
be
vital. Fly tape wouldn't hurt. All this of course means more water. Stock up
on those barrels if you have no other means and if you'll be living downstream
of metropolitan areas the water runoff could be deadly so remember to use caution.
The most difficult area of sanitation we may have to deal with is death. Although
many organisms in the body of the deceased are not likely to infect a healthy
person, handling the blood, bodily fluids and tissues of those who had been
infected increases that risk. Many fluids leak from a dead body, including
contents of
the stomach, and intestines. Decomposition depends on how long the person has
been deceased, the temperature of the environment and the damage to the body
and the bacteria present. There are some basic precautions to take in handling
the deceased. Wear disposable gloves when handling anything associated with
the body and cover all cuts or abrasions with waterproof bandages or tape.
Wear a
mask, or face shield, goggles or some kind of protection to the face for the
mouth, nose and eyes. Decomposing bodies can sometimes burst and spray
fluids and tissues due to the buildup of gases. Wear aprons or gowns that can
be destroyed. Wrap the body in a body bag or several layers of garbage sacks
or plastic sheeting. The more quickly this takes place after the death, the
less chance of leaking [body] fluids will occur. Graves should be dug at least
100 feet away
from all open water sources and deep enough that animals won't dig them up.
Cremation requires large amounts of fuel and may not be feasible. In case
of accidental
exposure, flush with huge quantities of water. (Dilution is the solution.)
Thoroughly wash yourself afterward and dip your hands in a bleach solution
even if no apparent
contact was made. Disinfect all equipment, surfaces, floors, and so forth with
a bleach solution. Don't forget to make notes on the deceased and the circumstances
surrounding the death and burial. Take pictures if you can. Anything that you
think is of
importance in case the authorities come back and question it at some time.
This may be the most difficult part of a crash. But, the quicker it is dealt
with,
the better for everyone involved.
Sanitation is a major concern in your preparations. Improper sanitation is
responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. It would be a shame
if you stored
your beans, bullets and band aids, but died of dysentery due to lack of proper
sanitation. Give this one some serious thought.